20171226

Best in Beauty 2017

To kick off this weeks' trio of 2017 roundup posts, it's time once again to share my favourite beauty products from this year! As always, these are the products I discovered this year as opposed to my most used / all time favourites or only products released this year. One or two older bits have snuck in because I didn't fully appreciate them until this year or only got my hands on them towards the end of 2016. So sit back, get yourself some festive leftovers and (hopefully!) enjoy...MakeupPrimer:Becca Backlight Priming Filter | £32 | review | This product is has been a cult classic for a long time but I only got into it this year. It's so perfectly-named because you can put it under any base and it will give it a subtle radiance. It's hydrating and has a pearlescent, luminous sheen that makes my skin glow.Primer Honourable Mention:REN Perfect Canvas Skin Enhancing Primer-Serum* | £50 | review | This is a skincare-primer hybrid unlike any other! It comes with a dropper, so applies very much like a serum and has some incredible added benefits, designed to make your skin the 'perfect canvas' for makeup. It's amazing at smoothing out pores and fine lines, making my makeup last longer and just ensuring my base looks its absolute best.Foundation:Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup* (4W1) | £28 | review | I'm already on my 3rd tube of this in the past year or so, which is probably a sign of how much I love it! It's just a great option for everyday wear; the formula is hydrating but not greasy and still very long-wearing. It gives a natural, skin-like medium coverage that makes my complexion look flawless and glowing without feeling at all heavy. It's just my default foundation option for a work day.Foundation Honourable Mention:Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation* (3W2) | £35 | review | After many bad experiences, I've almost come to expect to dislike any foundations I receive in PR packages; the shades are rarely right and I'm quite particular about the formulas that I like, however this foundation is amongst the few exceptions to this rule. It's the perfect colour and I'm in love with how it looks on the skin. It's a medium-full coverage with a satin finish. True to the name, it gives a flawless look (without the cake) that really does last all day long.Concealer:Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer (Ginger) | £24 | review | If you're a regular here, it'll come as no surprise that there was zero competition for the title of 'best concealer'! I've used this every single day since it was released and I'm actually only about 1/3 of the way through my second pot, which isn't bad going at all! It's just the perfect all-rounder; brightening under the eyes and masking any blemishes. It has a matte formula but I put it on with my fingers, which warms the product and means it can be applied an a couple of imprecise dabs. It looks so natural on the skin and wears incredibly well.

Highlighter:Anastasia Beverley Hills Glow Kit in Sundipped* | £41 | review | I really wasn't expecting to fall for this palette like I did! I had a different Glow Kit that was very pretty, but I guess it just never wowed me enough to be an absolute favourite, however Sundipped is next-level! The intensity of these highlighters is incredible, however the texture of the powders mean they sit so naturally on the skin. The shade selection is stunning as well - they're unique variations of golds and bronzes and I love all of them! Highlighter Honourable Mention:Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder in Sunset Glow* | £12.99 | review | I've been obsessed with these highlighters this year; they have amazing pigmentation and such a smooth texture. The effect is a soft, metallic sheen on the skin, which I love. This shade in particular is an interesting amber gold.Blusher:Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush | £25 | review | I can't believe I almost didn't buy this blusher! I've never destroyed the pattern on a product so quickly... It's just a perfect everyday shade, which is why I reach for it time and time again. It's a warm peachy shade with a soft, slightly iridescent sheen. It's so easy to blend, wears very well and never looks like to much.Blusher Honourable Mention:Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk | £15 | review | This has been another staple of my everyday makeup routine. It's a liquid-cream blusher that can be dabbed on with the fingers for a subtle watercolour effect. I love that the formula isn't greasy so it doesn't go patchy on my skin. Dusk is also the perfect peachy-pinky-brown nude.Bronzer:Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion in 30M Sienna | £28.50 | review | I actually got this at the end of last year but my love for it has grown over time! It actually looks a real mess inside because I've used it so much, but that's because it's essentially the perfect everyday bronzer. It's not at all orange but adds depth, warmth and definition to my skin. The formula is unlike anything I've ever tried before because although it's a powder, there's nothing 'powdery' about it. Instead it has an incredibly smooth texture that applies evenly with the perfect level of pigmentation. Bronzer Honourable Mention:Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Sunset* | £34 | review | The Becca bronzer was a close contender but I just had to go with the product that switched things up for me this year. This luminous-matte liquid product is unlike anything else I've tried before; the formula is so pigmented and it blends out beautifully on the skin with a damp makeup sponge. You can also add a couple of drops into your foundation to warm up your complexion. Again, it just gets the tone perfect so it isn't at all orange. Brow Product:NYX Micro Brow Pencil (Espresso) | £8 | review | This product is essentially the Anastasia Brow Wiz at half the cost! It's a twist-up, super-fine brow pencil, meaning you don't have to sharpen it to get that precise control. You can draw on every single hair and the formula is waxy enough to be long-wearing but does give off the right level of pigment for a natural, everyday look. It also has a handy spooly on the other end.Brow Product Honourable Mention:Glossier Boy Brow (Black) | £14 | review | I always reach for this on low-maintenance days because it's perfect for just adding that little extra 'something' to my brows with minimal effort. It's a brow gel with a very small, precise brush. The formula is really great because it tints, adds some volume and holds the hairs in place without feeling stiff. The effect is overall very natural.Eyeshadow Palette:Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette | £39 | review | I really wasn't expecting to love this like I did! I actually ordered it and then regretted it slightly, feeling as though I'd given in to the hype and bought a product that I wasn't really going to get the use out of. How wrong I was... Of course Too Faced's eyeshadow formula is second to none: it's just so smooth, pigmented, easy-to-blend and long-lasting. The shades are really wearable too: they're warm browns, golds and peachy purples that can take you from day to night.

Eyeshadow Palette Honourable Mention:Zoeva Naturally Yours Eyeshadow | £18 | review | This palette is one that's been in my collection for a little while, however for some reason it was this year that I because truly obsessed with it. I think the quality of Zoeva eyeshadows is fantastic, especially for the mid-range price tag. This palette is full of neutral tones, however what really makes it special are the duo-chrome shades.

Eyeliner:Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Amber Haze | £19 | review | This is kind of supposed to be an eyeshadow pencil but I love it to line my lower lashes to add the perfect warm brown bit of smokiness. It's a gorgeous bronzed golden-brown with a metallic sheen. It has a creamy texture that sets down and doesn't smudge.Mascara:L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara | £11.99 | review | I rarely discover a new mascara that makes me put down Lash Sensational (temporarily), however this seriously impressed me! It's so amazing at giving my lashes lift and volume without being clumpy or flaky. At the same time it does still lengthen so it's a really nice all-rounder, plus doesn't transfer or smudge. I don't usually go for fibre wand mascaras but this really does it for me.Lipstick:Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Miami Fever | £11 | review | This shade was my go-to during the summer months for almost every festival, event and night out! I rarely suit reds, however the warm orange undertone is perfect. This is a nice formula because it gives bold colour without being drying. It does transfer a little but I personally don't mind! Lipstick Honourable Mention:MAC Satin Lipstick in Mocha | £16.50 | review | This is one of those shades I'm surprised I didn't already own because it's so me! It's such a perfect everyday warm mid-toned brown-pink nude. I love the Satin formula because it's creamy and comfortable but still opaque and long-wearing.

Setting Mist:MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ | £18 | review | I love this multipurpose mist and often use it after applying my makeup. It isn't going to necessarily make it last longer, however it just makes the finish so much better. It makes the skin appear fresher, gets rid of a powdery or caky finish and just makes everything look nice and seamless. It's a classic that I don't know how it took me so long to pick up.Setting Mist Honourable Mention:Rimmel Insta Fix & Go Setting Mist* | £6.99 | review | If you have dry skin and want to add some glow then this bargain product is the one for you! It has a fresh fragrance and has a similar effect on the skin, making everything look nice and healthy.Makeup Brush:Real Techniques Large Point Multitech Brush | £11.99 | review | I love Real Techniques for base brushes and I used their Blush Brush every day for bronzer and blusher until I discovered this range. I also have the Extra Large, however I prefer this one because it's the perfect size and shape both for blusher and bronzer. The synthetic bristles are amazing at ensuring the perfect amount of product goes onto the skin and applies evenly.Makeup BrushHonourable Mention:Iconic London Pro Evo Buffer Brush* | £32.99 | review | I've really been enjoying this dense buffing brush for foundation. When I want totally flawless full coverage, this is what I've been reaching for because it gives that perfect finish.Makeup Tool:BeautyBlender* | £16 | This year was the year of the BeautyBlender for me! I've rarely used anything else for foundation and use it exclusively for concealer under the eyes. It's also come in handy because I've been experimenting with liquid and cream cheek products. I used to think that other, less expensive sponges could do the job but there's something unique about this material. It expands considerably when dampened slightly and has such amazing bounce and flexibility, allowing it to blend your makeup seamlessly.Skincare

Cleanser:Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser | £15 | review | This is the perfect second or morning cleanse that leaves my skin soft, smooth, clean and hydrated. It's a simple, fuss-free product I know is always going to do the job. CleanserHonourable Mention:Skin Laundry Nourishing Cleansing Oil* | £26 | review | I've tried so many cleansing oils that my standards are pretty high these days, however this has been my favourite during 2017. It gently lifts even waterproof mascara and eyeliner, ensuring all my makeup comes off with a damp muslin cloth. It doesn't irritate my eyes or leave a residue behind and it's incredibly effective.Mask or Treatment:Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil* | £22 | review | This is just an amazing all-round winter skincare product. It's lightweight and doesn't break me out - rosehip has multiple skincare benefits and improves the clarity and texture of your skin as well as smoothing and hydrating.Mask or Treatment:The Ordinary Retinoid 2% | £8 | review | This product has actually been reformulated now, however the version I have is a milky emulsion that I apply to my skin before bed. It has an amazing smoothing effect and just regenerates my skin and makes it look healthy, also improving its clarity.Moisturiser or Serum: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre | £20 (75ml) | review | I was so late to the party on this cult product but at least it's in my life now! It's just an amazing all-rounder - it has a light, whipped texture that's intensely nourishing and smoothing without being heavy or suffocating on the skin. It can be used as a moisturiser, hydrating primer and a night cream.Moisturiser or Serum Honourable Mention:Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1%* | £60 (30ml | review | This is definitely an investment, however you can pick up a smaller size for a reduced price. It just has the most amazing regenerating effect on the skin, leaving it looking smooth and fresh, as well as improving its overall quality and texture.Lip Care Product:Caudalie Lip Conditioner | £5.50 | It's often hard to get that excited about a lip balm but this is a really good one - it's just so lightweight and hydrating, giving lasting moisture to my dry winter lips.Lip Care Product Honourable Mention:Glossier the Coconut Balm Dotcom | £10 | This was my other most-used lip product this year. It's a multipurpose balm that can also be used to hydrate dry patches of skin. It's moisturising without being slippery or heavy and also smells lovely. Body, Hair & Everything ElseFragrance:Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum | £44.50 | Whether it's the body oil or the perfume: this is pretty much my signature scent. I kind of don't feel like me if I don't have it on me in some way! It's a warm, heady blend of orange blossom, vanilla and magnolia that stays on the skin all day long.Body Product:Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream | £12 (for 3x 30ml) | I love this hand cream because it's just so lightweight and non-greasy but gives lasting hydration to my dry hands.Hair Product:Hair is Fabric Hydration Support Cleansing Conditioner | £25 (for standard size) | review | Over the course of the year, this product has become indispensable in my haircare routine! It's a shampoo-conditioner hybrid that leaves my hair shiny and healthy without the stripping effect of a shampoo or the slippery feel of a conditioner.Hair Product Honourable Mention:Colour Wow Dream Coat* | £22 | review | I've been seriously impressed with several products from this brand in 2017 but none more so than the Dream Coat. This is essentially a sealant that locks in your style and protects it from humidity and damp weather. Nail Product:Seche Vite Topcoat | £9 | I don't know how it took me so long to try this cult product but it really is worth the hype! It's a clear topcoat that ensures your nail polish dries faster and is sealed in, so doesn't get smudged.Nail ProductHonourable Mention:Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Peanut Butter | £3.99 | review | I've tried so many more expensive nail polishes, however I just love the Barry M Gelly formula! It has an opaque, long-wearing shiny finish and comes in so many shades. Peanut Butter is the perfect warm pinky-brown nude for me.

24 comments

I’m with you on the L’Oréal Lash Paradise! Such a great discovery this year.

Surprised to see the Sweet Peach palette though. I mean, I know there’s been a lot of hype around it, but the palette doesn’t speak to me, personally. Which is why I haven’t picked it up. I’m sure it’s lovely but I don’t tend to reach for those kinds of shades... glad you ended up liking it yourself!

I’ve been wanting to try the soft matte concealer by Nars! I’m such a huge fan of their brand. I tried the too faced papa don’t peach blush but it was too shiny for my skin tone! Next on my list is the multitech brushes from Real Techniques! XxWww.Inthegreyonline.Com

Thank you for this awesome post Jasmine! You're giving so many options of good products. The Nars concealer sounds good, the only thing that would bother me is that it's a pot and doesn't have an applicator. I will still go and swatch it in Sephora - sounds really good so it might be worth trying out!

There are so many products from my wishlist in this post! I recently tried a sample of the Laura Mercier foundation and loved it - will definitely be picking up the full size (next time I can afford it!) I'm planning on purchasing one of the MUFE bronzers soon too.

Spotted some of my own favourites of this year in here, love Peanut Butter and definitely need to grab the Fix + and Peach Palette next year to see what the hype is all about. Great post, Jasmine, look forward to reading the rest. I am determined to find my own signature scent this year, I am just looking for a scent that encompasses vanilla and honey without being too sweet, if that is even possible xxx

Yessss I spot so many of my faves here!! I haven't really seen anyone else rave about the Caudalie lip balm and hand + nail cream - they're my FAVES! I found those two in a mini duo at Sephora and it's pretty much been love ever since. I had a Laura Mercier foundation that I loved and finished previously, but didn't love the packaging. I was hoping they'd get new packaging but they ended up discontinuing the line (sad times), so I think I need to cave and try a different formula because I really remember liking the color and finish - maybe I'll give this one a try! I think Glossier Dusk was definitely one of my favorite beauty discoveries this year - of course leave it to Glossier to make me like liquid/cream blushes :)

Right in the new year i'm making it my mission to finally make a glossier order and the jelly cleanser will definitely be in my basket! I think Fix + will be something that will forever be a best of product, I actually need to repurchase it because I love using it for my loose pigments xx

I'm saving this post and basically going to use it as a wish list for 2018! I really want to try more from Too Faced, that palette and blush are both on my wish list! The NARS concealer is definitely on my favourites list for the year!